Twitter Reactions: Netizens react as Pakistan and England keep each other at bay on Day 3

The third day of the ongoing first Test match between Pakistan and England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium witnessed yet another run-fest as the hosts inched closer to the English team’s first innings total by showcasing a solid batting display throughout the day.

Resuming their innings after the overnight score of 181/0, Pakistan did lose wickets as the day progressed but also put up a gritty batting performance as they scored well in excess of 300 runs (three sessions combined) with skipper Babar Azam scoring yet another Test century.

Pakistan and England engage in a tug-of-war on Day 3

Even though Pakistan were trailing by a mammoth 476 runs when play stopped on Day 2, they showcased a fearless approach on Day 3 and targeted all the English bowlers on a perfect flat wicket as openers Imam-ul-Haq (121) and Abdullah Shafique (114) not only brought up their respective centuries but also laid a solid foundation for the hosts with a 225-run opening stand.

Veteran Test specialist Azhar Ali missed out on utilising the wicket as he walked back after adding only 27 runs to his name, but captain Babar Azam ensured that he took maximum advantage of the surface and roared back to form with an impressive knock of 136 runs off 168 balls before being caught by  Jack Leach off Will Jacks.

After Babar’s dismissal, the middle-order duo of Saud Shakeel (37), and, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan (29) could not do much damage and in the end, Agha Salman and tail-ender Naseem Shah tried their level best to ensure that Pakistan do not suffer any batting collapse towards the end of Day 3.

Unfortunately for Naseem, he was dismissed after scoring 15 runs off 21 deliveries when he attempted to loft Jacks and only ended up finding Leach who made good efforts to complete a well-judged catch.

In the end, Salman (10*) and Zahid Mahmood (1*) ensured that there were no further setbacks as the hosts finished Day 3 at 499/7. Pakistan still continue to trail by 158 runs.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to the action on Day 3: